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Passion and vision propel progress at Oakbank School

18 July 2016

Ofsted has judged CfBT Schools Trust's Oakbank School to be Good in all areas in its latest inspection report

The report says secondary school Oakbank, based in Spencers Wood, Reading, has made significant progress since its last inspection thanks to passionate, focused leadership that has created a strong sense of purpose and belonging among students and staff. Standards are rising and a culture of high expectations is helping the school to improve further. Oakbank was previously judged as Requires Improvement.

During their two-day visit on 21 and 22 June, the inspection team were impressed by the ethos of mutual support and respect that means staff are proud to work at Oakbank, and students behave well and work hard.

"The school is a tight community. Relationships between leaders, staff and pupils are very positive and there is a warmth and generosity of spirit which shines through," says the report.

This positivity translates into good behaviour and academic progress: "Pupils behave very well in lessons and around the school," the report says.

"They have embraced willingly the higher expectations of their behaviour and this is having a very positive effect on their learning and progress."

Good relationships mean teachers know their pupils well, and are able to plan interesting lessons that build on their knowledge and understanding.

The report praises Oakbank principal Maggie Segrove, who was appointed by CfBT Schools Trust in 2014, for spearheading the school's transformation:

"Her passion and vision for the school have been instrumental in bringing about significant changes. Together with her senior team, governors and support from the CfBT Schools Trust, she has systematically addressed the issues in the school which were preventing it from making stronger progress. As a result, the school is now on an upward trajectory."

Ms Segrove said:

"We know Oakbank is a good school which puts our students at the heart of everything we do, and the report confirms this. Our students and staff are our greatest ambassadors and this shines through the report. I feel incredibly privileged and proud to be the principal of Oakbank and am excited for next year as we go from strength to strength."

CfBT Schools Trust chief executive Chris Tweedale said:

"We are over the moon that Ofsted has recognised Oakbank is now a Good school. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the hard work and commitment of the whole school community, who have worked together to shape the school's success, and will help that community to continue to grow and thrive."